Baghdatis fined for court tantrum

TENNIS: Down two sets and a break, Marcos Baghdatis sat in his chair at the changeover and smashed his racket seven times until it was almost unrecognisable. He wasn't finished yet.

In all, the fiery Cypriot broke four rackets in a row during an Australian Open meltdown that lasted less than a minute and earned him a $1,250 fine.

His frustration released, Baghdatis went on to win the third set, but lost the late-night match yesterday 7-6 (3), 6-4, 5-7, 6-1 to Stanislas Wawrinka.

England stalled

CRICKET: England were held up by a stubborn half-century from Adnan Akmal as Pakistan reached 338 all out, a lead of 146, on the third morning of the first Test. Akmal (61) batted with good sense and significant skill to frustrate England at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, and eke out important runs with the tail, in his 117-ball 50.

Boxing: Lamont Peterson has lodged "a comprehensive written appeal" against the WBA's decision to order a rematch against Amir Khan.

The governing body last week confirmed they wanted Peterson to defend their light-welterweight title against Khan after he defeated the Englishman in controversial circumstances on December 10.